CNG-powered Standard Taxi to be built by AM General
We got the chance to check out the concept behind the Standard Taxi at the New York Auto Show in 2007, and it now sounds like the unique people-mover will get a shot at production. Now known as Vehicle Production Group LLC, the company behind the Standard Taxi design has gotten the funding it needed for production. AM General, the company which became famous worldwide for creating the military-spec HMMV (better known as the Hummer), will do the duties of assembling the blocky cab at its Mishawaka, Indiana plant where the Hummer H2 is built for General Motors.
[Source: Vehicle Production Group]
Press Release:
The Vehicle Production Group LLC ('VPG') Completes $160 Million Equity Financing Led by Perseus L.L.C.
VPG TO PRODUCE GASOLINE AND COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS ('CNG') POWERED WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TAXI, PARATRANSIT, AND CONSUMER VEHICLES
TROY, Mich., Aug. 11 -- The Vehicle Production Group LLC ("VPG") a designer, developer, and marketer of specialty vehicles designed to meet the needs of the taxi fleet market, commercial and municipal paratransit markets, and the consumer retail market in North America for individuals with a mobility disability, has completed an equity financing of $160 million. The financing was led by Perseus L.L.C. ("Perseus"), a merchant bank and private equity fund management company.
VPG was founded by Patton Corrigan and Marc Klein in 2006, with additional funding provided by Three Seasons Capital, a venture firm led by Fred Drasner. This early investment allowed VPG to assemble its management team, design and engineer the vehicle, develop a prototype, and line up manufacturing and assembly suppliers. Proceeds from the financing will be used for continued vehicle engineering, production tooling, vehicle testing and validation. Vehicle production launch is projected for the first quarter of 2010.
Fred Drasner, Chairman of VPG and Three Seasons Capital stated, "In the most difficult capital market conditions in recent history, we are pleased that Perseus and our co-investors have recognized the excellent work done by our talented team, led by Mark Hogan, our CEO, the strong demand for our vehicles, and the strength of our strategic partnerships. Their commitments will provide the resources needed by VPG to move into production."
VPG is working with General Motors through its on-highway integrator Powertrain Integration LLC. Marketing, technical, and infra-structure logistical support for the CNG model will be provided by Clean Energy Fuels Corp., founded by T. Boone Pickens, both of whom are also investors in VPG. The vehicle will be assembled by AM General LLC, in Mishawaka, Indiana, and will employ a classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture which includes a durable body-on-frame structure. Vehicle access is compliant with the vehicle requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"). The vehicle includes an integrated automatic ramp that will provide quick and easy access for individuals who use wheelchairs, motorized scooters and other mobility devices. Originally introduced as the "Standard Taxi", VPG's vehicle has undergone design and functional enhancements based on input from the marketplace.
VPG also has marketing relationships with MV Transportation ("MV"), the largest private provider of paratransit services and the largest privately-held transportation contracting firm in the United States, and The Motion Group of Companies ("MGC") in Canada, under which MV and MGC will sell vehicles into municipal and commercial paratransit fleets. It is anticipated that the consumer model of the vehicle will be marketed through existing automotive dealers who will also provide vehicle preparation, delivery and service.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nick 2:14PM (8/13/2008)
It hardly gets any uglier than this. It comes straight from the late 70s.
This thing is horrendous...
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Darius 2:22PM (8/13/2008)
This is just crazy, is there any way they can make this car LESS aerodynamic?
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meme 2:59PM (8/13/2008)
Wow. Ugly, non-aerodynamic, and (given engine forward, rear wheel drive), probably heavy and with poor traction on the drive wheels. Who could ask for more?
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Ian 11:44PM (9/03/2008)
At 4800 pounds, the traction to the drive wheels will be more than adequate. Also, the shortcomings of FWD (handling, tire wear, maintenance...all important to fleet operators) become more apparent as the vehicle gets heavier. This is why RWD remains common in cars above ~3500 lbs.
John Lee 3:17PM (8/13/2008)
What the hell?
Is this the image that CNG as a trasnportation fuel needs?
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chiapet 3:12PM (8/13/2008)
The design teem is LEGO ??
http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/6
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Mike 3:23PM (8/13/2008)
There is method to the madness....
They are planning a much needed new design, which should look better.
RWD is very attractive to the taxi companies, it allows the drivers to hit curbs w/o damaging expensive driveshafts.
The flat windows and windshield allow for easy and cheap replacement
BOF is heavier, but more durable and better suited to take abuse, for proof see any fullsize or commercial truck.
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Matt 4:09PM (8/13/2008)
Looks like the rejects from the Aztec and Avalanche design teams used the Volkswagen Thing as their inspiration. I'm embarrassed this design even comes from our country. Would look right at home coming out of some state-owned, Eastern Block carmaker.
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Kardax 4:18PM (8/13/2008)
"Cheap" is the name of the game, here. This taxi is designed to make up for its numerous weaknesses by having an incredibly low cost of ownership. There's more to the price of a car than fuel economy, after all.
The question is whether anyone would want to be caught riding in one...
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The Talking Hamburger 1:30PM (8/18/2008)
Leave it to Autobloggers to decry the lack of sex appeal in a purpose-built taxi. Design is clearly not the point; the point is for the vehicle to do its job well.
真実は傷つく 4:38PM (8/13/2008)
Americas finest ?
( oouuaaahhhhhhh.......my stomach hurts......rofl ! )
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Wildgoosechase 5:13PM (8/13/2008)
Fianally somethig takes the ugly crown form the Aztec.
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stevefazek 7:50PM (8/13/2008)
Ugly yes but i am sure its tough. Look at the bumper
It looks like the front and rear doors are interchangeable just change the glass.
These cars are not purcahsed for thier looks but by bean counters. What will last the longest and be cheap with up keep and to repair
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DJL 7:55PM (8/13/2008)
The only advantages I see are handicap accessibility and the possibility of a natural gas version. And since Crown Vics and others are available in natural gas versions, that only leaves handicap accessibility as an advantage of this design.
Its less aerodynamic and heavier (I'm assuming based on BOF construction) than its competition.
This may sound cold, but apparently the goals of handicap accessibility and green transportation are at odds here.
We'd be better served with a fleet of Prius or Malibu hybrid (for example) taxis with some handicap accessible vehicles on call for those who need them.
Production of this vehicle will only be profitable if it is supported by questionable legislation.
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SPG 11:21PM (8/13/2008)
Everyone needs to stop crying for a second here. YOU are not going to be buying one of these unless you're a cab driver. Cabs can look different, in fact it's an advantage, which is why so many of them are yellow. Easy to spot the yellow cab, easier to spot the yellow lego cab.
The design seems to play off London's cabs which is fine since the more upright design will allow for more room in the passenger space. Crown vics don't have as much legroom as you'd think once you install the partition.
While we're re-inventing the taxi, If any of you have had the pleasure of taking a cab in Japan, you'd be asking if these are going to be outfitted with automatic doors, doilies on the headrests, and suit wearing gloved drivers...I hope so at least.
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john riley 8:30AM (8/14/2008)
In the heaviest cab using cities in the US, I don't think most cab drivers own their cabs. They lease them. What would be the motivation for a cheap cab badge owner to buy one? Sometimes owners are forced to upgrade, as I think might be happening in NYC, but I think that is to force a switch to hybrids. Hybrid seems to be the big deal. Otherwise, the cab owners run them until the wheels fall off. (I've seen that literally happen twice here in Toronto.)
For awhile many of the fleet cars in Toronto were CNG. These were Crown Vics and Town Cars. No big deal. Hybrids are the big deal in stop and go traffic.
Most Crown Vics and Town Cars in fleet service have some added length in the middle, so the partition is no longer an issue.
GenWaylaid 2:43AM (8/14/2008)
I guess now everyone will get a chance to ride the Short Bus.
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David Mustoe 10:57AM (8/14/2008)
Did anyone notice the GM propaganda? They have convinced the writer that Hummer Is the same as the very capable Humvee.
Some of the above comments show the Detroits success in connecting fashion to transportation machines. I prefer a cheap ride.
Old guy
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Whopper 11:31AM (8/14/2008)
Ugly but functional, and that's what cabs are for. Remember the Checker? Aerodynamics are a non issue meme, these things won't be traveling long distance at high enough speed for it to matter.
Easily replaceable external panels and interiors with durable running gear is what a cab needs. A tall greenhouse makes seating as well entry/exit easier and more comfortable. A spacious trunk is important as well.
Beauty in function and it gives AM General something to do in Mishawaka besides going to the giant flea market or building Hummers.
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hans 11:54AM (8/14/2008)
That reminds me of the Post Office trucks that deliver mail around here. Apparently, that's what a vehicle looks like when you ignore styling and focus on cheap and easy to service transportation.
FWIW I was once involved in project to convert a gas company's fleet of trucks to CNG fuel. It was millions of dollars, but they justified it based on the value of reduces air pollution. When we looked at it closer, the pollution reductions were extrapolated from EPA certification tests, which were based on a cold start and 2 short simulated trips. Almost all the pollution occurred on cold start, which didn't match the operating cycle of the trucks at all, which had few cold starts. The project went ahead but eventually failed, probably because the range of the CNG trucks was too small.
OTOH hybrid power seems ideal for a taxi, where regenerative braking could save a lot of fuel.
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